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More Trainers To Follow – By High Roller Racing

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I have researched the latest results and have come down heavily in favour of John Gosden, Nicky Henderson  and Iain Jardine to supply us with winners in the next week or so. I think we would all be wise to sit-up and take notice of these three very much in form trainers over the coming week or so.

John Gosden had a terrific Royal Ascot courtesy of Stradivarius, Calyx, Without Parole and Monarchs Glen but has horses to be interested in in the comings days and weeks. Staple grove made an encouraging debut for the yard and holds entries in the coming days and is one to be interested in. A source of ours near to the heart of the stable tells us that Spanish Aria, Loujain and Garrick are all fancied to step up by the yard. Valcartier also could have a big chance if returning to form at Salisbury this Wednesday should he be declared to participate.

Nicky Henderson is performing at a much higher win percentage than is normally the case at this time of year. Nicky has a winning percentage of 38% at the moment with over 70% of his horses actually running to form as I write. Normally Nicky Henderson does not achieve these percentages but a turnaround in approach has obviously been made. I was told years ago that Nicky Henderson got his horses better handicapped in the summer but this obviously isn’t the case in these current days. Horses being mentioned from a yard connection are Ballinure, The Bottom Bar and Monbeg Legend all three of which demand our respect this coming week.

Iain Jardine is the most inform trainer as I write with the best stats of all. In the next week or so Iain has entries on the Flat and over Jumps. Look carefully for them. Something Brewing has a couple of entries and could strike Gold this week. Gunnabedum and Alemaratalyoum couldrun well whilst Tor could go again at Chester this week after running so well at the last meeting at this course. Watch out for Iain as he has his team in form.

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Cross Doubles Can Be Exciting And Lucrative – By Rick Elliott

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The racing codes collide on Saturday with big televised races on the Flat and over jumps at Doncaster and Wincanton. The November Handicap is the last significant race on the level of the turf season while the Badger Ales Trophy Chase is a competitive handicap. Favourite backers would enjoy a 50/1 double if both market leaders obliged but there are other horses who could make the payout places at much bigger prices.

You might get better terms if you shop around but most bookies are offering one quarter the odds for the first four places. That means if you get two horses in the frame at 16/1 your place double pays 15/1. The calculation is as follows:

16 / 4 (4) x 16 / 4 (4) -1 = 15!

However, the flaw in backing horses each way is that the true odds are significantly lower because you lose the win element of the bet. So, a one point each way double costs you twice the stake unit. In this example the total stake is two points and the return is 16 points which equates to odds of 7/1. An alternative is to back horses for a place only with a betting exchange but the odds are reduced accordingly. Generally, each way betting is something I avoid.

It makes more sense in my mind to back two horses to win a race than place a single each way bet on one runner. The returns are the same and you can only have one winning bet. I prefer to have two horses running for me to win the race than one horse on my side who will give me a return if making the payout places. The outcome is the same because you are forfeiting one point and its horses for courses. I’ll suggest two against the field for the two big races on television. You might prefer to back just one each way rather than both to win.

The November Handicap is run over one mile four furlongs. No horse has won the race more than once in a contest for horses aged three and older. The winner last year was aged three but a seven-year-old obliged in 2015. Since 2000 only five horses carrying nine stone and more has prevailed. In that time only one favourite has won. The average price of the winners over the last ten years is 10/1, ridden by 10 different jockeys.  John Gosden is the only multiple winning trainer in the last decade.

Chelsea Lad carries nine stones two pounds and is quoted at 16/1 in ante post betting. The four-year-old has produced some solid form without winning. Josephine Gordon is a respected jockey so there are no fears in that area. Chelsea Lad last ran four weeks ago which is a decent gap in terms of fitness and recovery. Azari has gone under the radar and has the form to win this race at a working man’s price.

Over the sticks at Wincanton the feature is the Badger Ales contest run over three miles and one furlong. There have been two dual winners but since 2004 a different horse has won the race. Nine of the last 17 winners carried more than 11 stone and the age range has been six to 11. Shelford Man and Yala Enki are the two to back if you want to cover more than one of the bases.

Backing horses win or each way is a personal preference but a third option is to cover these four horses in cross doubles, either to win their races or make the frame. You could have a very exciting 30 minutes if any two of the four do the business.

Who Is In Good Form? – By High Roller Racing

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There are three trainers who have caught my attention looking at results and performances of their horses which I think we should all sit up and take notice of. I am not saying they will win with every horse they run but it would be folly not to give serious consideration to these trainers who are in such good form.

John Gosden has had his string in decent form throughout the summer but they have run to a very reasonable standard of performance too. The likes of Enable and Cracksman no doubt being the stables highlights. Gosden however is showing no signs of slowing down  he has recently put out two years olds Military Law and Highgarden both winning well. John has plenty of entries this week before the official closure of the Turf season at Doncaster next Saturday. The trainer has eleven entries at Chelmsford on Thursday so it will be prudent to look carefully at those he actually let’s run. Seven of the entries are in the one mile novice race so it will be interesting to see who represents the yard. Elsaakb has multiple entries in the coming week and is one to look out for. John may also run Cashla Bay this week after a very disappointing run last time…she is better than that. So I advise you to give John Gosden horses consideration in the near future.

Paul Nicholls early season form shows no sign of stopping… yet again. So with some big prizes coming up in the near future Nicholls looks qualified to be taking some of those prizes. I don’t think Paul could be in any better form than at the moment and I know he has high hopes for Romain De Senam who is the current favourite for The Bet Victor Gold Cup having won at Chepstow and Stratford so far this season. Paul has plenty to keep him motivated in the meantime with horses like Politologue, San Benedeto and Top Of The Game all ready to make their seasonal debuts. At Newbury on Friday the exciting prospect If You Say Run could make her next appearance but she holds an entry at Ludlow on the same day so watch which race Paul decides to run her in as she looks a very useful prospect. Watch out for Paul’s horses in the coming weeks.

Graeme McPherson is our third trainer in this weeks article. Graeme had enjoyed his best season ever on 2016/2017 season and looks certain to step up on that this season. Last season Graeme’s prize money Hall was around £194,000 compared to his previous total of around £123,000. He is already well on the way to beating last seasons prize money and has eight wins on the board in fact by the end of next week he could have double figures with Rio Brava and Silva Samourai worthy of serious consideration. Graeme McPherson for a small yard trainer is producing good stats and is an upcoming trainer. Very capable with the horses he has. Worthy of the utmost respect.

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This Weeks Racing – By Rick Elliott

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In racing Cracksman ran an impressive trial for the Arc in France on Sunday. However, connections will only decide if the horse runs a few days before the race. Backing the horse now carries a risk but the latest odds are too good to miss:

7/1 with bet365!

The owner is inclined to miss the Arc this year but the trainer John Gosden will have the final say and he tends to be brave at times like this. However, it will be a tough ask to beat Enable who looks a penalty kick to win the race.

We have the small matter of the final Classic of the season at Doncaster on Saturday before considering the Arc. The St Leger looks an open contest with bookmakers going 3/1 the field. Crystal Ocean looks interesting as joint favourite with Capri at that price. The race is the culmination of four days of action at Doncaster this week.

Its from the sublime to the ridiculous with the second day of the week long Listowel Harvest Festival in Ireland. This is 7 days of racing on the Flat and over jumps to celebrate harvest time. Coneygree will be the star of the show if running in the Kerry National on Wednesday.

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Royal Ascot – Day Two

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Day One started well for us, with Ribchester doing the business in fine style before Murillo (3rd) and Aqabah (5th) both looking promising for future races. Marsha was then also 3rd but never a match for the speedball that is Lady Aurelia; Goldream was 10th. Things then took a rapid turn for the worse as Churchill was a lacklustre 4th, and Thomas Hobson proved that Willie Mullins can cost me money at both Cheltenham and Royal Ascot, an impressive double. Endless Acres ran well for us in 2nd, whereas Oceane didn’t in 10th. But the day ended superbly with a Charlie Appleby 1-2 in Sound And Silence and Roussel, a neck separating them and going off at SPs of 16/1 and 12/1. Let’s hope for more of that rather than more of Churchill-type bets.

2:30 – Jersey Stakes, 7f, Group 3

Incredibly, it’s been 30 years since the last female jockey to ride a winner at Royal Ascot, but the brilliant Josephine Gordon can change that on board DREAM CASTLE for Saeed bin Suroor in the blue of Godolphin. This son of Frankel won his debut nicely at Doncaster before looking the winner all over when kicking clear in the Greenham before being overhauled by Barney Roy; he then came 5th in the Guineas and was far from disgraced when like many others he found trouble in running. Lancaster Bomber and Barney Roy (let’s ignore the elephant in the room in Churchill!) franked that form in the St James’s Palace and this drop back down in both grade and distance looks ideal. Le Brivido crosses the Channel for Andre Fabre and brings excellent form to the table, having finished second last time out to Brametot who has since won the French Derby and looks a live Arc contender. Le Brivido is a worthy favourite but I’m hopeful Dream Castle can overcome him. Daban was third in the 1000 Guineas and could go close again here, while Whitecliffsofdover needs to find more consistency but is an attractive price if he can put his last run behind him. Escobar looks to still be on the upgrade while Chessman has career form figures of 122 and is another one who is unexposed. Parfait absolutely hacked up at Newmarket last time in a handicap and that was a major step forward but this test may come too soon. I’d love it if Sutter County ran a big race but his odds of 40/1 look fair.

 

Selection: DREAM CASTLE (win)

 

3:05 – Queen Mary Stakes, 5f, Group 2

All aboard the Wesley Ward train as HAPPY LIKE A FOOL looks to emulate Lady Aurelia and Acapulco in taking this race and making it a Queen Mary hat-trick for Wesley Ward. She comes here like Lady Aurelia on the back of a maiden victory at Keeneland and is sure to bound out the stalls and try and make all. Given how Lady Aurelia ran on Tuesday, and how much Wesley Ward thinks of her, it’s easy to see why so much money has come for her already. Heartache won easily on debut for Clive Cox, and I like Neola as an alternative, but at a huge price of 80/1 in a place I’ll have a very small ew punt on WINGS OF THE ROCK for Scott Dixon. Punted on debut at Nottingham, this filly was well beaten into 6th by the runaway winner Neola, but put that behind her when making all at 16/1 three weeks ago. Tulip Fever, third that day, has since come out and won at York so I think the price is too big. She’s 80/1 for a reason but if she improves again she can outrun those odds.

 

Selection: HAPPY LIKE A FOOL (win)

Alternative: WINGS OF THE ROCK (each way)

 

3:40 – Duke of Cambridge Stakes, 1m, Group 2

Laugh Aloud was very much doing that when scooting clear at Epsom on Derby Day, winning by 5 lengths when a short-priced favourite. She needs to take another step forward to win here but is certainly capable of doing so – the only blot on her copybook since last September was on her seasonal reappearance at Kempton in April where she looked short of fitness which won’t be case now. However, QEMAH was undone at Lingfield last month by a smart ride from Ryan Moore on Mix And Mingle, but she beat the rest readily and is a fair second favourite. She clearly needed that run and she should strip much fitter here for Jean-Claude Rouget. Usherette returns to defend her crown from last year, and Mix And Mingle should run her race as she normally does. As an alternative to the favourite SMART CALL looks a good price; I can’t comment with any confidence on her South African form but she ran nicely on her British debut for Sir Michael Stoute at York last month, when heavy rain the day before left the ground rather sticky. I would hope she’ll be much better suited to the conditions at Ascot under Ryan Moore.

 

Selection: QEMAH

Alternative: SMART CALL (each way)

4:20 – Prince of Wales’s Stakes, 1m2f, Group 1

Highland Reel is an extraordinary horse who put in a quite extraordinary performance on Oaks Day, when he won the Coronation Cup a matter of hours after arriving late at the course – he was the only Aidan O’Brien horse to win that day. He is a globetrotting star who has raced in Ireland, England, France, America, Australia, Hong Kong and Dubai; he is an Arc runner-up and a Breeders Cup Turf winner. Interestingly, however, he has not won consecutive races since August 2015 – he is ultra-consistent but occasionally finds one too good. We have that to ponder as we look at the other contenders, starting with Jack Hobbs. Jack Hobbs is an immensely talented horse, runner up in the English Derby and taking the Irish version in his Classic season before a lengthy injury spell which sandwiched two third-placed finishes in the Champion Stakes here at Ascot. He should be fine on the ground, and couldn’t have been more impressive on his return at Meydan when he won the Sheema Classic by over 2 lengths (a race in which Highland Reel finished last). John Gosden loves to tell people he trained Jack Hobbs’ father and he’s clearly a much-loved member of the Gosden team. Expect a big run. Ulysses is a beautifully bred horse by Galileo out of Light Shift, and I think it’s fair to say the Derby came too soon for him last year. He beat Deauville by a length in the Gordon Richards in his first 4yo start which continues to look decent form, and he can still improve. It’s hard to split the three main protagonists which is why they’re so closely matched in the betting, and I would be delighted to see any of them win. If there are no further withdrawals (which would reduce the field to 7 and thus only 2 places being paid), we’ll take an each way chance on DECORATED KNIGHT for Roger Charlton, who won the Tattersalls Gold Cup at The Curragh on his last start, continuing his slow but steady progress. He’s 5 now but could still be coming into his prime and he could be the play.

 

Selection: DECORATED KNIGHT (each way)

 

5:00 – Royal Hunt Cup, 1m, Class 2 Handicap

A 30-runner extravaganza and quite frankly I don’t really know where to begin. Much like other big handicaps, the more time one spends delving into the form the easier it becomes to make a case for almost every horse and the harder it becomes to nail your colours to the mast. It’s double figures the field so we’ll keep it simple and throw three each way darts at GEORGE WILLIAM, G K CHESTERTON and FASTNET TEMPEST. All are on official marks in double figures, which is helpful, but they will need luck in-running and you could easily throw another half a dozen horses into the betting mix and still not find the winner.

 

Selections: GEORGE WILLIAM, G K CHESTERTON, FASTNET TEMPEST (all each way)

 

5:35 – Sandringham Handicap, 1m, Listed

This looks a really competitive fillies race to end the day, and both Gymnaste (for John Gosden and Josephine Gordon) and On Her Toes (for William Haggas and Pat Cosgrave) should go close in the Cheveley Park Stud colours. On Her Toes ran well at York to finish second last time out, but behind her that day was SIBILANCE who is now 5lbs better off and that could prove crucial as she attempts to overturn that form for Ralph Beckett and Pat Dobbs. Queen Of Time looks well weighted and Rain Goddess ran well in the French Guineas (on very soft ground where the 11th that day, Senga, has since won the French Oaks on better ground) but has a lot of weight to carry. Instead it’s another by Bated Breath, the sire of Sibilance, with whom we’ll take to improve and that’s PRESENT TENSE who has just three starts to her name. Her only win came on good to firm ground and she could run into a place if she finds that improvement. Bean Feasa is another one who is interesting at a big price.

 

Selection: SIBILANCE (each way)

Alternative: PRESENT TENSE (each way)

Derek Potter

Royal Ascot Preview – Day Two

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Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and admit you were wrong, and that was certainly the case with Tepin (and indeed EVERY OTHER RACE ON THE CARD). She was brilliant, and the gamble for connections paid off in some style.

Caravaggio was spectacular (although amazingly he’s not yet been anointed with the title of best 2yo they’ve seen at Coolmore – give it time), whilst Profitable showed he is the real deal this year under a great ride from new dad Adam Kirby. The St James’s Palace Stakes was almost everything we’d hoped for, and Frankie Dettori showed why he’s such a top jockey by learning his lesson from the Irish Guineas and getting a decisive first run on Awtaad and The Gurkha. I’m sure Ryan Moore and Chris Hayes would both love the chance to ride again and take note of what was happening at the front of the race rather than concentrating on each other.

What price a race between The Gurkha, Galileo Gold, Awtaad and Tepin at Glorious Goodwood?! Jennies Jewel proved me, myself and I correct in that she’s in great form and was guaranteed to stay (sometimes I should just read back what I’ve actually written) and confidence was high in Mister Trader following Caravaggio’s victory. Unfortunately Mister Trader tried to compete with Big City Dreamin’s early speed and he went backwards quicker than Mecca’s Angel, leaving Ardad to run out a worthy winner.

Day Two centres largely around the fillies, although potentially the big story of the day is the appearance of A Shin Hikari, who simply could not have been more impressive when winning at Chantilly last time out. For those of you like me who love the international flavour to the big races, then it would be great for the sport if this brilliant Japanese horse can prevail following Tepin’s victory yesterday. If you do fancy a bet on A Shin Hikari, however, then don’t use the Tote as if the Japanese fans descend on Royal Ascot, they may well destroy the price which is short enough as it is.

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2:30, Jersey Stakes, 7f, 3yo.

This Group 3 looks as open as any race at the Royal meeting, with a field of 21 runners declared and only 4 of those in single figure prices. The favourite is likely to be Castle Harbour for John Gosden and Frankie Dettori and it’s not hard to see why. He’s won both his starts over this distance, on soft ground at Newmarket and good ground at York, and crucially has big field experience – his York win was against 19 rivals. However, this is a big step up in class and at the prices I prefer GIFTED MASTER for Hugo Palmer and Pat Smullen. Gifted Master, to put it politely, was a rather exuberant 2yo and once he was gelded, his form went to a new level. However, that gelding operation excluded him from being a Guineas contender – he would have been one and instead has been campaigned over 6f this year in spite of winning over both 7f and a mile as a 2yo. Therefore I think the extra furlong will suit him perfectly and I’m confident he won’t be inconvenienced by the cut in the ground. Of the rest, the Godolphin challenge looks strong and I also like the look of Ibn Malik.
Selection: GIFTED MASTER each way

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3:05, Queen Mary Stakes, 5f, 2yo fillies.

Given the monster performance by Acapulco in last year’s renewal, we simply have to start with Lady Aurelia for Wesley Ward. Acapulco was physically head and shoulders above her rivals and would have won over any track against any 2yo filly on that day. The ground was perfect for her that day which won’t be the case this time around, and it is definitely worth taking both a market check and a look in the paddock before deciding whether to lump. I certainly couldn’t put anyone off backing her, but we will try and look elsewhere for value. One which catches the eye is ROLY POLY for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore. This filly won smartly on her debut at Naas, before finishing 4th at the Curragh next time out on yielding / soft ground. Whilst that bare result doesn’t look strong, she had Caravaggio, Ambiguity and Mister Trader ahead of her, although the latter named two didn’t do the form much good yesterday. Mark Johnston’s runners – Camargue and Katrine – should go well, but in a trappy race I also like AL JOHRAH, whose sire Bated Breath was certainly not lacking in pace and she has form in France on this sort of ground.
Selection: ROLY POLY each way
Alternative: AL JOHRAH each way

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3:40, Duke of Cambridge Stakes, 1m, 4yo+ fillies and mares.

The penalty system for this race means that Miss Temple City carries 5lbs for her US Grade 1 win, whilst Devonshire and USHERETTE carry 3lbs each for their Group 2 victories at the Curragh and Newmarket respectively. It is Usherette who is of most interest, however, given that Newmarket win was a clear career best and she has only been beaten once in her 6 career starts to date. Being so lightly raced means she is still open to further progression, and under the watchful eye of the French master Andre Fabre she can take this for Godolphin. Godolphin are coming at this mob-handed, with Devonshire, the smart improver Always Smile and the excellent Lucida providing strong competition.
Selection: USHERETTE

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4:20, Prince of Wales’s Stakes, 1m2f, 4yo+.

This Group 1 feature of day two has unfortunately lost some of its lustre for this year’s renewal, with the withdrawal of Time Test due to the going. As a result, A Shin Hikari has been backed in to odds-on favouritism, and with the likely defection of The Grey Gatsby for similar reasons to Time Test we will probably have just five runners. If A Shin Hikari matches his Chantilly form, he should win in fine style, but Found is a consistent filly and if there are any chinks in A Shin Hikari’s armour, she will surely take advantage.
Selection: No bet.

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5:00, Royal Hunt Cup, 1m, 3yo+.

With 33 runners declared for this mile handicap, even with an expected number of NRs it’s still an incredibly difficult race to pick apart. The favourite is Convey, whom I’ve been a fan of since his debut win as a 2yo on the all weather at Kempton. It’s fair to say he didn’t live up to that early promise as a 3yo, but two promising seconds recently at York and Haydock behind Always Smile and Home Of The Brave respectively have given connections renewed hope. I’m not sure I want him on my side at single figures though, even with Ryan Moore on board. The first of two I tentatively like at double figures are DONNCHA, who was fifth behind Convey at York when slowly away and met trouble in running and has Tom Marquand claiming a valuable 3lbs. The second is MR OWEN, who has some very smart 3yo form in France including a 3rd in the French Guineas. Over the past 13 months he has contested four Group 1 or 2 races and won at Listed level, so even though he is fourth in the weights he might be able to translate that into a place.

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Selection: DONNCHA each way
Alternative: MR OWEN each way

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5:35, Sandringham Handicap, 1m 3yo fillies.

Another huge field and another tough one to unravel, including six last time out winners who could be open to further improvement. They include the lightly-raced favourite Persuasive, who has won all three of her starts for John Gosden, including the last twice under today’s jockey Frankie Dettori. She has posted successive RPRs of 81, 91 and 96 and will take some beating if she improves again. Anamba, Czabo and Aljuljalah all make appeal, as does Mix and Mingle who was a creditable 7th in the 1000 Guineas. However, I fancy the Queen to notch a Royal winner in the form of either DIPLOMA or MAKE FAST. Diploma won last time out at York over an extended 10 furlongs, and that stamina could prove vital if there are further showers during the afternoon’s racing. She must be respected for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. Conversely, Make Fast has never raced over a mile, but she was second in a Listed race last year at Newbury on soft ground and was second on Oaks day at Epsom when it was certainly sticky underfoot. She’s a decent-priced alternative for Andrew Balding and David Probert.
Selection: DIPLOMA each way
Alternative: MAKE FAST each way

Back tomorrow,

Derek Potter

Chris Anzani Racing

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Hello Good Morning and Welcome

THE CRAVEN STARTS WITH A BANG

The Craven Meeting sensibly returned to its three day format and despite soft ground I daresay most trainers were happy to get their charges onto the historic turf.

Thunderstorms were promised for the three days but failed to materialise as expected. However things changed markedly before the Craven Stakes itself when the loudest thunderclap I think I have ever experienced exploded above the grandstand. I expected the whole building to collapse but thankfully nothing was hit.

All through the week most of the horses were dull in the coats with many still trace clipped. I would also add that the form of the Craven Meeting can be overestimated and the form from The Guineas Meeting usually works out better but as the man said – you have to start somewhere.

On the Tuesday heavy rain for about twelve hours prior to the afternoon, ensured soft ground and slow times but it should always be remembered that this is the best turf in the world and there is always a rich cushion of roots underneath which absorb much of the rainfall. The going therefore never gets as testing as elsewhere. There was no wind for the three days and time figures should be true.

First off the blocks in the fillies maiden was Swiss Range trained by John Gosden. My pre race view that this was the nearest thing to a certainty was confirmed when spied in the paddock. She had done well since last Autumn and was fit enough to do herself justice. Declared to wear a hood, she also had a cross nose band which did raise something of a doubt. On the way to post she tracked her stablemate but although a little keen was pretty much under control. In the race itself, Frankie had no intention of covering her up behind other horses, preferring instead to let her stride out on the wide outside. Racing nicely she quickened well when asked and came clear to land me a punt. She will step up in class.

The Richard Hannon trained Desert Force looked to have continued his development and will do better in 6 furlong handicaps. In the Fielden Stakes Tathqeef gave them all start and did well to get close till giving best close. He can only improve.

The first Classic Trial of the year took place with the Nell Gwyn Stakes for 3yo fillies and as expected the favourite Nathra took the spoils. She was fully fit and did it nicely but this was way short of Guineas standard. The form of Aiden O’Brien’s horses have been extremely variable so far this term with most needing the run. Quite simply I tend to ignore the runnings and trust my eyes as to whether they have trained on. His filly in this race was Coolmore who has done well since last year and has overtaken Nathra on inspection. She will step up a deal on this.

Wednesday kicked off with the Wood Ditton Maiden Stakes. This race always gets criticised for failing to turn up top prospects but it is only a Class 4 Maiden after all and not a Classic Trial. If there is a Group horse in the race it could be the winner Sky Kingdom trained by Willie Haggas and ridden by the maestro Pat Smullen. He carried condition and will come on a ton for the run and is a nice prospect. There were plenty of good sorts in the race but most were backward and I would prefer to reserve judgement to see what is left when the puppy fat comes off.

The juvenile Sutter County had bolted in first time but failed to impress though he was still green and will do better. Dream of Dreams gave favourite backers a fright and he is a nice workmanlike stamp who will win his share.

Michael Tabor was on course to see his Waterloo Bridge and there were rumours he was punting it but this did not indicate on the boards and he went off 3.65 on the machine. The colt has filled and done well and can show when next at Ascot. Ibn Malik took the Free Handicap and paid his Champagne conqueror – Emotionless a massive compliment. Mahsoob was victor in the Earl of Sefton and has strengthened a deal since last term. Second in was Air Pilot who was punted and looked well primed beforehand.

John Gosden was in top form all week but one colt of his that failed to impress despite being backed was Satish. Sent off a 6/4 favourite he was nowhere near fully fit and I have doubts about this one. Daqeeq finished second despite being very backward and I expect a heap of improvement. He will stay further and could be good for Royal Ascot and the King George V Handicap.

Talking of Royal Ascot, Jadaayil took her maiden despite being very dull and trace clipped. She shouldn’t get too bad a mark from this will and will blossom with some sun on her back. She would be worth support in the Sandringham Handicap run on the Wednesday.

Fiery Character was the paddock pick for the Juvenile Maiden but was allowed to go off at an amazing 33/1. This was no fluke and her stable loves a runner at Chester so the Lily Agnes looks likely.

The Aiden O’Brien trained Landofhopeandglory was made favourite for the Tattersalls Million and has made up into a fine beast but was not fully fit. There will be plenty of opportunities in the months ahead. The winner Linguistic was likewise short of his peak and just lasted home. He might get a fair handicap mark from this and can only get better.

Pretty soon after the heavens opened and viewing was curtailed including The Craven itself.

There were quite a few racecourse gallops during the three days and a couple were very informative for differing reasons.

The much vaunted Emotionless reappeared on the Wednesday before racing and attracted intense interest from the Press. Being Godolphin’s main Classic prospect probably has much to do with it and the colt came out on time. He was in superb trim and had probably benefited from time spent under a sun lamp. His demeanour was relaxed. In the gallop he worked with the 4yo handicapper Bow and Arrow. The gallop was leisurely and Emotionless was asked to quicken between horses. He moved through smoothly but did not go ahead as expected and Buick gave him a couple of slaps to finish a couple of lengths clear. As a Gallop it was unimpressive but when I joined the Press boys to talk to Charlie Appleby he was at pains to stress it was not the intention to ask a searching test and that the gallop succeeded in meeting every requirement the team had.

My own opinion is that he should have quickened a bit more even allowing for the probability that Bow and Arrow is most definitely better than a 95 handicapper. More disconcertingly though is that on his return he walked feelingly on his near fore which was the subject of his operation and there is a chance that it is still problematic. If this is the case then there is a real possibility that he might miss the Guineas in a fortnight’s time. My advice is to hold bets till the day. If he were mine I would skip the undulations of the Rowley Mile and go straight to York assuming his leg holds up.

Mark Johnston let Buratino and Lumiere loose on the Thursday. The former floated to post and fairly bounded clear in most impressive fashion. He has to take a hand in the Colts Classic if this is anything to go by. The filly was given an easier assignment and was satisfactory in her work.

On the previous Sunday at Leopardstown there were plenty of Classic aspirants on show and the one who definitely took my eye was the Aiden O’Brien trained Idaho. I was particularly impressed with him last term and he confirmed that optimism with a bold show just giving best to the talented and race fit Harzand. As a Galileo full brother to Highland Gift he will have no problem getting a trip and has to be included in Epsom calculations.

It has to be said that the grainy pictures on ATR are very poor in this day and age and they should pull their finger out and try and get high definition as soon as possible.

Be Lucky and May The Gambling Gods Be With You

Chris Anzani Racing

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Chris Anzani Racing

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Hello Good Morning and Welcome

CRAVEN MEETING STARTS THE FLAT SEASON PROPER

Every year we hear the same old arguments as to when the Flat Season should officially start and in recent times the issue has been further compounded by the extension of the All Weather programme. In addition to this we have the variability of the Easter dates which can mess things up as they have this time around, with the Season starting at Redcar and the best race on the card being a Class 4 0-85 handicap.

Although diehards might wring their hands as to where they manage to insert the Doncaster Meeting into the Calendar, this writer has never doubted that the campaign begins in earnest at The Craven Meeting at Newmarket. This coming week the Meeting will revert to its traditional three day format and kicks off on the Tuesday with the Nell Gwyn as the feature contest on the card.

Richard Hannon invariably has his team well forward and we get to see his starlet Illuminate re-emerge from her Winter sojourn. The daughter of Zoffany capped a successful first term with a respectable sixth in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies beaten less than three lengths. Earlier in the Summer she had triumphed at Royal Ascot in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot and followed up her win when edging out Besharah in the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes at the Newmarket July Meeting. She then acquitted herself well when just getting touched off in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes by the Mark Johnston tough nut – Lumiere. In the prelims Illuminate confirmed that she had done particularly well and had made excellent physical progress. She should carry that progress through to next Tuesday and will prove difficult to beat.

With Lumiere going straight to the 1,000 Guineas the main opposition should come from the John Gosden trained Nathra. I was at Salisbury when she had her first outing in the Quidhampton Stakes. In the paddock she looked a Group Class filly and she floated to post. What was so surprising however was the complete lack of confidence from any of people associated with the yard and who might be in the position to offer a glimmer of hope. Significant support in the betting market was totally absent and I have to confess that I was drawn in by negative vibes and failed to back my own judgement. Nathra followed up that clear cut win with a facile victory at Newbury coming home 7 lengths ahead of Alqubbah. The question for connections was whether it was worth stumping up the supplementary fee to enter the Group One Dubai Fillies Mile at Newmarket. A scintillating gallop at HQ made sure the box was ticked and she turned up on the day. I am not sure if she was going over the top but she did not quite impress as much on looks as she had on her previous outings and had to give way in the race to the impressive winner in the shape of Minding. Given that the winner was catapulted to the head of the Guineas market as a consequence, probably means it was a fair performance in itself but my after thoughts were that she had probably had not run up to her very best. John Gosden is not always keen to have his fillies fully wound up on their first run in April and it would not surprise me if she were beaten by Illuminate. How they have progressed this Spring will give plenty of clues as to their chances in the big one itself.

The colts will have their chance to flex their sinews when they contest the Craven Stakes on the Thursday. Contrary to popular opinion the race is definitely Not named after the famous TV Presenter. With trainers careful to sidestep their main opposition the heat should fall to the John Gosden trained Foundation. In his preparation for his first run the yard had to put him through the stalls countless times as the clue was not being found. The yard persisted to no avail but such was his talent at home, jockey Rab Havelin was told not to worry how much ground he lost at the start, just take it easy and he would win in a canter, which is pretty much how it went. Foundation was slow out of the blocks when he followed up, also at Haydock but was now starting to get the message and he offered no start to his rivals when stepping up to take the Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket in late September. Tracking the leaders he put his foot down when asked and quickened impressively to confirm his status.

Continuing to impress at home he was entered for the Racing Post Trophy but Frankie had a bad hair day and his run was blocked at every opportunity on Town Moor.

Like Illuminate he is by the stallion Zoffany and though entered in the Dante he is not expected to stay a deal further than a mile at this stage. With the Gosden colts well forward in their preparation Foundation should get the Clarehaven Stables off to a great start.

Newbury takes up the baton on the weekend with the Fred Darling and the Greenham Classic Trials and racegoers will have their chance to see how the 2016 crop have done and which ones have made the most development.

Be Lucky and May The Gambling Gods Be With You

Chris Anzani Racing

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Kevan Minter The Colonel

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Sir Michael Stoute’s Quick Defence (6/4 max bet) and May Queen (11/8 4 point bet) gave us a great start to the month on Monday after one of my most frustrating months on record it’s nice to be in the top five in the table, but as I keep telling you this is the hardest game in the world and your only as good as your last winner.

The 2015 Breakfast With The Stars at Epsom Downs Racecourse last week had everything – with three of the first four in the betting for Britain’s premier Classic, the Investec Derby, exercising on the course, France’s top trainer Andre Fabre flying in by helicopter, Frankie Dettori and lots of news, comment and opinion.

Connections, the media, Investec and some of the course’s annual members gathered to see six Classic contenders work on the unique undulating Epsom Downs course.

Golden Horn (John Gosden/Frankie Dettori) Jack Hobbs (John Gosden/William Buick) and Elm Park (Andrew Balding/Andrea Atzeni) are 7/4 favourite, 6/1 and 8/1 respectively after going through their paces ahead of the Group One Investec Derby, Britain’s richest race, on Saturday.

Star Of Seville (John Gosden/William Buick), Jazzi Top (John Gosden/Frankie Dettori) and Al Naamah (Andre Fabre/Gregory Benoist) were also exercised and are 7/1, 9/1 and 20/1 respectively for the Investec Oaks at Epsom Downs on Friday, June 5 with Coral, official betting partner.

John Gosden, the Newmarket trainer, said: “My jockeys still don’t do what I tell them to do. Frankie was perfect on Golden Horn, doing the right thing. I said pull up a good half furlong before the winning post and don’t go over the top but William had to have a feel (on Jack Hobbs) and went flying past the winning post and ended up right down by the stables.”

Golden Horn worked steadily and then a bit faster with Dickdoughtywylie (Rab Havlin – a 102 rated 10-furlong horse) over short of a mile and cruised up two and a half furlongs out before going to the front and passed the winning post two lengths ahead after being eased down.

Jack Hobbs, who also went over just less than a mile, came well clear of his work companion, Marzocco (Nick Mackay – a 108-rated stayer) in the closing stages.

Frankie Dettori declared: “The Dante is a telling factor at this stage and Golden Horn is thriving but don’t dismiss Jack Hobbs, who is a very good horse too. A mile and a half is definitely within Jack Hobbs’ compass and he is rawer than Golden Horn and has more improvement in him.”

“Golden Horn is a very laid-back character and the important thing was to get him to whiz around the bend. He gave me a good feel. But he is the sort of horse who needs the crowd to rev him up and he is a better horse on a raceday.”

Gosden said: “As Golden Horn walked down, and it was very kind of my wife to lend me a lead horse, Dickdoughtywhylie, he was wandering along asleep but his temperament is big plus – like his father Cape Cross. If you don’t relax early on, you don’t stay.”

“Jack Hobbs is an equally laidback horse but I noticed he was far more alert this morning, taking a look. He was very on the ball today and is a mighty improving horse.”

“It is great for all of us to have these two horses for the Investec Derby and tremendously exciting. If the ground is like this on Derby Day, then Jack Hobbs will be running.”

William Buick commented: “I got ran away with! Jack Hobbs felt very comfortable on the track and we did not press any buttons today but he swapped his leads down the hill. He is still learning about the game but every step he takes he is going forward.”

“He gave me a nice feel, handled the track and the ground which was perfect. All in all, I am very happy.”

“I rode Star Of Seville also this morning. She led well around there and has good form. She too enjoyed the ground and handled the track well so she has a good chance in the Oaks.”

Dettori continued: “I don’t know which of the two fillies I will be riding in the Oaks, both won their trials and both are entitled to run well. We have 10 days to decide which one I will ride. Both are in great nick.”

Gosden said: “I would have Frankie jock off Ryan and ride Crystal Zvezda! In all seriousness, I thought she was hugely impressive in the Newbury trial and she is the one to beat. I am teasing now but we will work out our Oaks fillies.”

“Jack Hobbs did not run until December 27 and Golden Horn won in October. I am pretty clear what Ballydoyle will do, even if they are staying tight-lipped themselves. I think they will leave their brilliant miler, Gleneagles, at a mile. It is a bit like asking me if I would have run Kingman in the Derby – no, I wouldn’t.”

“What a nice stallion Gleneagles will make if he is a top miler and that is their business. I think they will be tempted to supplement Found into the Investec Derby.”

Dettori recalled his first Derby victory on Authorized (2007). He said: “He was a good horse and it was a push-button ride, winning by five lengths. It was an important win for me, I had never won the Derby, it was my last Classic to achieve and my father was there – the day was very emotional.”

“I know what to expect now. I was extremely nervous in 2007 – with a few more years under my belt, I am a bit more relaxed. Tony McCoy must have felt it in the Grand National – you never think you are going to win the race and then, when you do, there is great relief. I will get excited on the day but that is quite normal.”

Gosden remarked: “It is about having the right horses. The worse thing for jockeys is being put on Formula 2 horses in Formula 1 races.”

“It is lovely to come here with four possible runners – two for the Derby and two for the Oaks – and let them have a nice feel of the track.”

“I didn’t have to do much arm twisting after the Dante as Golden Horn’s owner (Anthony Oppenheimer) likened the situation to a casino – he had won the money (in the Dante) and it was there on the table to supplement for the Derby.”

“I wanted William to tell me today whether Jack Hobbs handled the hill and Tattenham Corner. He was very happy and with the ground too and, with similar ground, Jack Hobbs will run in the Investec Derby. Golden Horn for me is the class horse in the race and I will be very surprised come Saturday if he does not enter the Epsom winners circle for big John Gosden.”

Dolniya has strong claims in the Coronation Cup and Steps is worth a E/W bet in the 5f Dash on Derby Day at Epsom Downs.

Yours in sport

Back Next Thursday.

Kevan Minter – The Colonel.

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The Gambling Don

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Bonjour all

The Don is in Gay Paris for one of the finest days racing of the year Arc Day and my private members are having one of the biggest betting days of the year.

The Hotel’s ludicrously expensive bar is packed with English race goers over for the weekend. The atmosphere is superb and the course is simply stunning. Penny has gone shopping with her friend whilst I write this. One thing that amazes me every year is that the cost to get in to the best enclosure is roughly a tenner yet our premier tracks charge 70-80 pounds. Now of course the Tote or Paris Mutualle controls the betting and all the profits go into racing, there’s a thought Mr Done!

There are a host of top group 1s on an 8 race card but the highlight is of course the Arc de Triomphe at 3.30. This for me is the World’s premier one mile four all age race and this years field oozes quality. There is a huge local word for Ectot and anything Trainer Ellie Lellouche runs must be respected. Kingston Hill our Leger hero has the worst draw and for me is in massive trouble stuck out there in 20. Ruler of the World and Tapestry have place claims but lack the turn of foot to win an Arc for me.

My strong fancy is the Oaks heroine Taghrooda trained by Champion elect John Gosden. She got turned over at York last time but has come back to her best since and the extra distance and softer ground will all help. Filly’s have a great record in this race and it’s hard to forget her devastating performances in the Oaks and King George. The jockey Hannagan is a concern as he will be riding against much stronger riders but he has won big races on her and she seems fairly straightforward. She is a win bet for me to bring the Arc back to my beloved Newmarket and she can be backed at 7/1 with Ladbrokes.

Have a great day wherever you are, join my private service as September was yet another winning month and take your betting to the next level.

Au Revoir Fait confiance a le Don.

Back next Sunday.

The Gambling Don
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